BLM Nevada News
ELY DISTRICT OFFICE NO. 2008-044
FOR RELEASE:  Wednesday, June 11, 2008
CONTACT:  Chris Hanefeld, (775) 289-1842; chris_hanefeld@nv.blm.gov

BLM Seeks Public Comment on Smith Valley Habitat Improvement Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District Office has released the preliminary Smith Valley Habitat Improvement and Fuels Reduction Project Environmental Assessment for a 14-day public review and comment period.  The comment period concludes at close of business, Wednesday, June 25, 2008.

The Smith Valley Habitat Improvement and Fuels Reduction Project would remove selected pinyon and juniper from sagebrush communities in Smith Valley, about 10 miles north of Ely, Nev., to improve overall vegetative composition, as well as enhance the growth of forbs, perennial grasses and shrubs.  Additional habitat for wildlife species, such as elk, mule deer and sage grouse, would result.  The project would also lower the risk of a catastrophic wildland fire and return fire to its natural ecological role.

Under the proposal, the BLM would use chainsaws or heavy equipment, such as a bull hog or feller-buncher, to thin pinyon-juniper from selected areas on the west side of Smith Valley.  The total project area is 1,300-plus acres, of which the BLM would treat between 800 and 925 acres.  The project is tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2008 and should be completed in December 2010.

The proposed Smith Valley Habitat Improvement and Fuels Reduction Project meets criteria established by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 and implements strategies outlined in the National Fire Plan.  The project is consistent with the BLM Ely District Managed Natural and Prescribed Fire Plan, and White Pine County elk management and land use plans.

Written comments should be submitted to the BLM Ely District Office, HC 33 Box 33500, Ely, NV 89301.  For more information or to provide comment, contact Cody Coombs, BLM Ely District fuels program manager, or Jeff Fenton, BLM Ely District fire planner, at the BLM Ely District Office, 702 North Industrial Way, in Ely, or at (775) 289-1800.  You may also visit www.blm.gov/nv/ and click on the Ely District Office.

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